The Hunstanton school gathered supplies in December in support of the local Trussell Trust supported food bank.

The students also came up with some innovative ways to boost donations, such as holding a ‘tin can castle’ competition to encourage canned goods to be brought in,

Some forms also used a "reverse advent calendar" with the food bank’s most needed items highlighted behind each window.

The school’s library was used as a collection point for items such as shampoo, soup, tinned fruit and jam.

School librarian Marie Taylor, who organised the collection, said: “I am so proud of the kindness and generosity shown by the staff, our students and their families who have donated and supported this important cause."

A mountain of boxes and shopping bags crammed full of essential items was delivered to St Edmund's Church Hall by Amanda Gibbins, head of school, along with head girl Caitlin and senior ambassador Oliver.

The donations were gratefully received by the Reverend James Munro and two of the volunteers from the food bank. 

Mrs Gibbins said it is hoped Smithdon High, which is part of West Norfolk Academies Trust, has beaten last year's collection of 241kg of goods. 

She added: “I am so proud of how much the Smithdon High School community has been able to collect.

“At this time of year when financial pressure is on families to a greater extent, here at Smithdon we feel it is important to try to help our local community - and teach the students to understand the same. 

"We look forward to collecting even more next year, in a tradition we will endeavour to continue for as long as it is needed."